Scootaloo: We get to race in the Applewood Derby tomorrow? That's so cool!

Apple Bloom: My family's talked about it for years, and now I'm finally old enough to race!

[knocking]

Cheerilee: Now hold on to your horseshoes, everypony. You've got a lot of work to do before you're ready to race.

Snips: Yeah, but... not schoolwork, right?

Cheerilee: There'll be a block of applewood just like this one waiting for you at Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow, and you've got one day to turn it into a race-ready cart.

[students groaning]

Scootaloo: Oh, yeah... That is a lot of work.

Cheerilee: Mm-hmm. Luckily, you'll each get to pick an older pony to help you! But choose wisely, because they'll also have to ride in the cart with you during the race.

Scootaloo: Hmmm... I think I know just the pony to ask.

Sweetie Belle: Me too!

Apple Bloom: Me three!

Cheerilee: Just remember, everypony. Your cart has to be able to finish the race if you want to win one of the awards. Fastest – for winning the race, naturally. Most traditional – for the best working replica of an original Applewood cart. And most creative – for the cart with the best overall design.

Apple Bloom: [dreamily] Hoo-wee! Those ribbons are the bees' knees.

Students: [dreamily] Uh-huh...

Cheerilee: All right then, class! You've got a lot to learn if you want to build a race cart.

[students groaning]

Snips: Aww... I knew there was gonna be a catch!

Sweetie Belle: Wow! Have you seen what the carts used to look like in the olden days?

Apple Bloom: Yeah, I know all about them. When Ponyville started the Derby, they decided to use the wood from our apple trees for the carts. The race has been a part of Sweet Apple Acres ever since.

Sweetie Belle: I just think these old carts look so cool! But I guess you and Applejack will probably win the award for the most traditional, huh?

Apple Bloom: The Apples usually do, but honestly, I'd rather build the fastest cart there is and win the race!

Applejack: [scoffs] Fastest? Apple Bloom, things aren't like they were in the old days. The fastest cart now has gotta be slick and modern and—

Apple Bloom: Exactly!

Applejack: Not Apple at all. The Apples win most traditional. We have since the Derby started! Why would anypony want to win anythin' else? Now why don't you head off and get some chamomile vines, some hickory sticks, and some apple barrels, and I'll show you what an Apple family cart should look like!

Scootaloo: Of course! I mean, they're all our older sisters. Practically. Plus, they've all done this before. I'm sure they know best. Let's just buckle down and get to work!

[carts rattling]

[chattering and handiwork noises]

Scootaloo: [straining]

Rainbow Dash: Scootaloo, where have you been? I've only got 'til noon to make the fastest cart ever!

Scootaloo: Uh, about that. I was really thinking of going for the most creative prize. I mean, I know all about speed already, so...

Rainbow Dash: Exactly! It's all about speed! You've gotta get across the finish line to win a prize, so we might as well get there first, right? Hey, I left a bunch of paint cans by the road. Bring them up here, would ya? Nothing as fun as painting racing stripes on the winning cart!

[sawing]

Scootaloo: [sighs] Right... Fun...

Apple Bloom: Spendin' time buildin' a cart with my big sister? Why, this is just tee-riffic! Um... how can I help?

Rarity: [muffled] Oh-ho-ho-ho, darling, [normal] the fringe is not exactly big! And that yellow is the least bold color I can imagine!

Sweetie Belle: Well, it doesn't have to be yellow. But I really do love the old-timey style. Like this.

Rarity: Sweetie Belle, precious face, "old-timey" is just another word for passé. Remember, big and bold! I do have a reputation to uphold! It was one thing to lose as a filly, but can you imagine if I didn't win the most creative now? Ponies might stop buying my couture!

Sweetie Belle: But we're supposed to be doing this together!

Rarity: Yes, of course we are, darling. In fact, we just finished. Voila! I know. You're speechless. Well, if that isn't big and bold, I don't know what is! Isn't it wonderful? [humming to self]